In the city of Lynwood, California exists a small community of people who gather weekly to worship and to celebrate their religious beliefs. This congregation is led by Baltazar who along with his family opens the doors to his home where worshipers can gather to celebrate mass and on a continuous basis also plan and organize to do more than worship. In this community over two years ago I found personal comfort when I met several people who would become a part my life. The details of how I became familiar with these folks are too painful to relive, but what did learn was that this group values life beyond themselves. These caring individuals live a mission to do for others and so our journey of trying to be a part of giving back to the community began.
Mathew 25:35 has always been one of my favorite verses in the bible. It isn’t my favorite because of my deep ability to interpret the bible, but because the message is so simple that it goes beyond what your religious beliefs might be. It is about what we can do for others something that transcends religions. It is about being part of the same race – the human race. When I met this community I was immediately reminded of this, not because I was hungry or thirsty or even in the need of clothing, but because at the time our needs to heal emotionally were so great that becoming involved fed us in ways that food never could.
This week I would like to introduce you to four people who have become a part of my extended family by way of common purpose. I will only use their first names for two reasons. They don’t know I’m writing this, and I want to be mindful of their privacy.
My new friends all share something in common. They are deeply committed to their belief in God and in doing the service that God has intended for them. From giving of their time and resources Baltazar and Galinda for many years have opened their home to countless people – never asking for anything in return. They have sat and visited with those that are sick. Week after week they provide a place to come together and celebrate holidays, traditions, birthdays and anything else that is important to their community. In fact, their home has been the center hub where we have often gathered to bring the mission of Corazon Misericordioso to life.
Corazon Misericordioso describes themselves as a group of people who take their personal conviction of helping others and turn it into action. Their story began when they saw a need in the community and rather than sitting back, they started to brainstorm solutions and how they could get involved. Their sole mission is to drive positive social change in communities where resources are scarce and more than anything people are often invisible to those outside of the community.
My mother was the first person to introduce me to their mission which along with other things has been to feed those who are living in the streets without a home at least once a quarter. This group through personal action and donations has been able to over the course of two years feed over 3,000 people. This would not be possible without two of the members whom I now call friends and who over the past two years have shared their inspiration and have invited my family to participate and give back.
A few months ago, I asked Alex what drove him to sacrifice what little time he has between being a dad, working full time and other commitments to start this group. His response was simple he had a calling. Alex first started thinking about this in February of 2018 and by March of the same year he managed to along with his group of up to 15 volunteers put together 350 sack lunches. Alex’s initial goal was 200 and when he saw the response not only was he excited, but he knew he could continue to make this happen. Since that start in 2018 Alex has continued with the mission and each quarter the building of sack lunches is repeated. Alex is adamant about it not being his group and not calling himself the leader of his group (I respectfully disagree), but Alex considers this a calling where each member of the group contributes and together in mission a difference is made.
I could not speak about Alex without mentioning his lovely wife Zulma. Zulma like Alex is an energetic driven woman who consistently takes action to help others. Zulma always makes it a point to reference her successes in life as a result of her faith. Zulma volunteers in several projects but is a big part of Corazon Misericordioso which is where I know her from. When I asked Zulma why she does what she does she enthusiastically responds that “she loves to see the joy in others”. Zulma who is also a day care provider incorporates her passion for giving back not just through her charitable contributions, but in helping working parents with their childcare needs – all while raising her own children.
Zulma and Alex don’t know this, but we share a dream in common. For over 20 years my husband Anthony and I have discussed what we would do if we had the time and resources and conversations have always led to our dream of providing housing for the homeless. When asking Zulma what else she would like to do she spoke of her dream of opening a shelter. Guess what Zulma that is also our dream.
This week I titled my post life beyond oneself and I am dedicating it to my friends who in their own way have inspired me/us to do more. Baltazar, Galinda, Alex and Zulma all have the same life responsibilities that we all do. They have families, they have jobs, they must deal with illnesses and financial concerns, they must deal with balancing their free time with their passions. They must make everyday decisions that impact their lives. However, one thing they do that I can honestly say I haven’t done as well as I wish I had, is they continue with their commitment to serve others no matter the present obstacles.
I have witnessed each one of these folks at times when they should be elsewhere preparing food for those that need it. I have witnessed them preparing a religious service when they should be resting. I’ve witnessed them at events gathering school supplies for children when they should probably be with their own families. Their faith, their commitment to serve others is a great example and I love and respect them for it.
I could probably write twenty more pages, but I don’t want this week’s message to be lost in words. Just know that we can all make a difference; in fact, I consider it our responsibility as human beings to always consider what we can do for others. Remember that no act of kindness is ever wasted, and I can tell you firsthand that anyone can make a difference – my friends certainly do, and they continue to show me how I can too.
The Empowered Crossing 
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